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a couple walk their dog

October Dog Walking Challenge

Walk, fetch and explore your way through October with your faithful friend! Join us in covering 75 miles to help families facing dementia.

Register

Give your daily dog walk a purpose this autumn. Every step you take and pound you raise will help ensure that no one faces dementia alone.

You can complete the October Dog Walking Challenge at your own pace and in your own way, and getting started is easy!

How?

  1. Register for your FREE Dementia UK dog bandana and set up your fundraising page.
  2. Join our October Dog Walking Challenge Facebook Group.
  3. Spread the word – let family, friends and colleagues know about the amazing challenge you and your paw-some pal are taking on in October!

In the run-up to the challenge and throughout October, you’ll be able to connect with thousands of other dog-walkers in our Facebook Group – and feel an incredible sense of achievement when you reach 75 miles at the end of the month!

Once you’ve completed the challenge, we’ll send you a virtual medal and certificate to thank you for your hard work and determination.

Dementia UK supporter Kellan's dog

“My mum was diagnosed with vascular dementia after having a stroke. With every walk and each step, there was a feeling of joy – not only to be having fun with my dog but also raising money for a wonderful cause, to help people and families.”

Kellan, October Dog Walking Challenge Supporter

Frequently asked questions

We have tried to answer all your commonly asked questions below. If you can’t find the information you are looking for, please email virtualevents@dementiauk.org.

What is the challenge?

We are encouraging you to walk 75 miles throughout October with your pup, to raise vital funds and awareness for families facing dementia. We’ll send you a free dog bandana and fundraising pack to support your challenge and you’ll have access to a supportive Facebook community.

I’ve just signed up – now what?

Register for your free dog bandana and set up your fundraiser. Then be sure to join the October Dog Walking Challenge Facebook Group to meet your fellow walkers.

How do I fundraise?

Create a Dementia UK fundraiser – you’ll be able to personalise it to show your supporters why you’re taking on the challenge and keep your sponsors up to date with how you are getting on.

Once you have created a fundraising page, be sure to share it with your family and friends via social media, text, email and WhatsApp.

Prefer to fundraise offline? Download a sponsorship form to get started today.

Is there a registration fee?

Taking part in the October Dog Walking Challenge for Dementia UK is free for you and your pup!

Is there a fundraising target?

There is no fundraising target for this challenge – we just ask you to raise as much as you can for families affected by dementia.

How can I send in sponsorship money I’ve collected offline?

The easiest way to send cash donations to Dementia UK is by donating to your online fundraising page. Alternatively, you can:

  • Donate via our website
  • Send in a cheque made payable to Dementia UK. Enclose a note including your full name, the email address that you used to register for your dog bandana, and an explanation that you raised the money for the October Dog Walking Challenge. Post it to us at:

Dementia UK

7th Floor

One Aldgate

London

EC3N 1RE

  • Make a payment by phone by calling 0300 365 5500

Can I raise money without setting up an online fundraising page?

You certainly can. We’ll send you a sponsorship form with your dog bandana, but if you want to get your fundraising underway now or need more than one form, simply download and print more copies of our sponsorship form.

Please ask your sponsors to fill out all the columns so we can claim up to 25% Gift Aid.

Where do donations to my fundraising page go?

All donations made to your fundraiser will be sent directly to Dementia UK. These vital donations will help support families facing dementia.

Where and how can I complete my miles?

You can complete your miles wherever you like, however you like! Just make sure you record your walks and keep your sponsors updated on your progress.

How do I record how many miles I have walked?

Strava is a free, easy-to-use app that can track your miles throughout October. We highly recommend downloading it for this challenge – you can even connect it to your fundraising page! You will also receive an October Dog Walking Challenge tracker with your fundraising pack, which you can use to tick off your miles.

Can I start early or late?

Of course! Our Facebook Group is active in October, when the majority of people are likely to take part, but you can do this challenge whenever is best for you. The more people join in, the more families can receive the life-changing support of our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.

Can I do more or less than 75 miles?

Absolutely. This is your challenge, and you can tailor it to suit you. Just be clear with your supporters about how far you are intending to walk and keep them updated regularly with your progress.

What safety precautions should my dog and I take?

Safety should be the top priority when taking part in the October Dog Walking Challenge. You know your dog best and we encourage you to think about the distance you walk at one time and whether it is appropriate for your dog, especially if they are still a puppy. If you have any concerns about your furry friend, please consult a vet.

What if I don’t complete the challenge?

All that matters is that you challenge yourself and enjoy raising awareness and funds so our Admiral Nurses can support more families. Do as much as you can. Update your sponsors regularly, be clear about how far you’ve come in your challenge, and make sure they are still happy to donate to Dementia UK.

How do I get my fundraising pack, including my dog’s bandana?

Complete your registration for the October Dog Walking Challenge. Once registered, your free fundraising pack – including your pup’s Dementia UK bandana – will be posted out to you. It can take up to two weeks for your pack to arrive, so please be do patient.

I still haven’t received my fundraising pack – where is it?

We’re sorry to hear you haven’t received your pack yet. If you have waited two weeks since completing the registration form, please email virtualevents@dementiauk.org and we will investigate.

Can I get additional materials?

If you would like to buy some additional Dementia UK branded items, please visit our shop. You could even get a Dementia UK beanie to match your paw-some pal’s bandana.